C-137 Stratoliner
Variants of the civilian Boeing 707 airliner adopted for service with the US Air Force (USAF) received the basic designation C-137. These included three Model 707-153 aircraft, delivered in 1959 and used as ‘salon’ staff aircraft under the designation VC-137A. They could carry 22 passengers and were equipped for use as an airborne command post (ACP).
Initial USAF Service and Evolution
After the installation of TF33 turbofan engines, their designation was changed to VC-137B, with the initial ‘V’ being dropped in the late 1970s. These three aircraft became part of the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, where they were later joined by four more aircraft. The last of these was retired from service in early 1999.
Presidential and VIP Transport Roles
The first pair of the four additional aircraft were of the Model 707-353C modification and were intended for transporting the US President, receiving the designation VC-137C. After being replaced by the VC-25A, these two C-137Cs joined the initial three aircraft and were used for transporting high-ranking military officials. In the late 1980s, the 89th Airlift Wing received two more C-137Cs.
Royal Canadian Air Force Adoption
In the 1960s, the Royal Canadian Air Force purchased five examples of the Boeing 707-347C for use as military transport aircraft, under the designation CC-137C.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C-137B |
| Wingspan, m | 44.42 |
| Aircraft length, m | 46.61 |
| Aircraft height, m | 12.93 |
| Wing area, m2 | 279.64 |
| Empty weight | 61236 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 148325 |
| Internal fuel, kg | 90300 |
| Engine type | 4 Turboprop engines Pratt Whitney TF33 (JT3D-3) |
| Thrust, kN | 4 x 80.07 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 1010 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 966 |
| Practical range, km | 12248 |
| Operational range, km | 9914 |
| Service ceiling, m | 12800 |
| Crew, crew members | 3-4 |
| Payload | 215 passengers or 24709 kg of cargo |
Image and diagram gallery of the C-137 Stratoliner
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ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team
A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.
Sources & Accuracy
The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.